Exterior

What a grand, comfortable, private place this is. Greystones' estate is surrounded by great lawns and small vineyards, and shaded by magnificent walnut trees from an old grove that once thrived here. Away from the house, with its steeply pitched shingle roof and tall chimney of hand-carved grey stone, the view takes in Sugarloaf on the east, the Valley of the Moon's signature peak. To the south, rich bottomlands stretch away between the valley's wooded ridges.

Greystone's backyard is a superb triple treat: First, there's a large swimming pool bordered on three sides by dense lawn. A low stone wall along its fourth side forms one side of a terrace between it and a tennis court with a basketball hoop at one end - an irresistible play space! Then there's the flawless, park-like lawn on the east side of the tennis court - Picnic, anybody?

Greystone has French doors everywhere along its south side, the better to let people spill out into the outdoors at will. From the parlor, you can step out to an enclosed patio and sit on cool evenings in front of a large al-fresco fireplace. Rough slate steps lead from there to a rose garden and beyond to the superb herb and cedar-flanked far lawn. A hot tub is set in a private green nook just steps from the house. The owners say they want Greystone to evoke a classic Northern California feel. With its generous use of wood, its inviting and warm earth tones, and feeling of being set amid a great garden, we'd say they've succeeded admirably.

Interior

Greystone's every room is designed to be comfortable and inviting, as though it alone is the focal point of the house. The concept works, especially with superbly restored oak floors running throughout as a unifying element. Add other thoughtful flourishes, such as three fireplaces finished in rough grey stone, and a color palette of golds, umbers and browns designed to evoke the glow of Northern California light. The foyer, which opens to the parlor, living room, dining room and staircase, gives you an immediate sense of Greystone's flow and feel. Bold wood trusses punctuate the living room's cathedral ceiling, and its east wall is a bank of glass panes.

The parlor also has a cathedral ceiling, bank of windows and glass doors along one wall, as well as a floor-to-ceiling fireplace. It opens to the kitchen, whose rich Brazilian granite counters flank a wood-topped central counter. It's only steps to the dining room table, a lovely piece fashioned from 100-year-old Italian floorboards. Down the angled hallway, the game room has a full bar, fireplace, plasma TV, conversation sofa, pool table, long bank of French doors and an exit to the spa and guest house. Upstairs, you'll love the small light-splashed office with a great backyard view.

The master suite has a private deck, cathedral ceiling, walk-in shower, tub and twin vanities, while the cozy guesthouse has a deck, two bedrooms, bathroom, kitchenette and a superb view to the wooded peaks east of Kenwood. The guest house holds the property's exercise room.

Property Highlights

• 5 bedroom
• 3.5 bath
• Sleeps 10
• Main house and guesthouse
• Cathedral ceilings and large windows
• Oversize pool and tennis courts
• Full bar and 3 fireplaces
• Spacious rooms